Spacer for interconnecting adjacent elongated members, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method and a use of said spacer

ABSTRACT

A spacer for interconnecting in a frame structure, adjacent elongated members. Said spacer comprises: a main member having opposite ends, at least one first attachment plate, and a at least one second attachment plate, the at least one first attachment plate being adapted to be secured to one of the opposite ends of the main member, and the at least one second attachment plate being adapted to be secured to the other of the opposite ends, wherein the at least one first attachment plate is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the at least one second attachment plate is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to the other of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the main member has a length and a width, the length corresponding to a distance separating the adjacent elongated members, the width being close to the width of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the main member is further provided with at least one portion comprising an opening obstructed by a corresponding removable element fastened to the main member by at least one breakable member, and wherein when the at least one breakable member is broken, the element is removed to give access to the opening. Also, a method for manufacturing the spacer, a method of use of said spacer and a use of said spacer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent application claims priority of Canadian patent application no. 3.131.228 filed on Sep. 1, 2021. The entire contents of said Canadian application is incorporated hereby by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spacer for interconnecting adjacent elongated members, a method for manufacturing the spacer, a method using said spacer for interconnecting adjacent elongated members, and use of said spacer for interconnecting adjacent elongated members. Preferably, the spacer may be a plastic, metal or composite spacer. More preferably the spacer is a metal spacer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

Positioning of spacers between adjacent elongated members of a frame structure (i.e. between posts or studs of a wall, joists of a floor or ceiling, roof trusses, etc.) reveals to be time consuming. It is necessary prepare each of said spacers on the premise, generally by cutting at an appropriate length additional elongated members. As an example, a carpenter needs to measure, cut, position and fasten each spacer between adjacent elongated members of the frame structure. Spacers are required to strengthen and stiffen a frame structure. Also, spacers are required to meet with national and/or regional building codes.

The Applicant already described in Canadian patent no 2.998.656 an adjustable metal spacer for interconnecting adjacent elongated structural members. More particularly, this Canadian patent 2.998.656 describes an adjustable metal spacer for interconnecting adjacent elongated structural members in spaced parallel alignment in at least one predetermined region spaced from interconnected common ends of said elongated structural members, said adjustable metal spacer comprising a rigid telescopic spacer bar formed by two telescopically interconnected bridge arms, fastening means for immovably interconnecting said bridge arms to adjust the length of said spacer bar to a length common with the spacing between adjacent ones of said elongated structural members as measured at one of said interconnected common ends, and a transverse attachment plate at an outer free end of each said bridge arms for immovable securement to a respective one of said adjacent ones of said elongated structural members in said at least one predetermined region thereof. Also, this metal spacer may be provided with fasteners and/or connectors comprising fasteners, allowing to secure various elements (e.g. electric wires, pipings, ducts, etc.) with respect to the metal spacer.

However, when using an adjustable metal spacer as described in Canadian patent 2.998.656, time is required to adjust and lock the telescopically interconnected bridge arms. This negatively affect the efficiency of carpenters.

Also, it is known in the art that several national/regional building codes require to avoid and/or minimize air movements between adjacent elongated members of a structural building wall, roof and/or floor (e.g. to avoid and/or minimize flames propagation). Also, in order to position or pass various articles (e.g. electric wires, pipings, ducts, etc) between the adjacent elongated members, the metal spacer of Canadian application no. 2.998.656 must be oriented to clear some space. Therefore, (i) it is not possible to position or pass said articles across the metal spacer of said Canadian patent no. 2.998.656 because bridges arms are allowed to move one to each other, and (ii) it is not possible to reduce (preferably almost prevent, and more preferably prevent) air flow between said adjacent elongated members.

Therefore, there is a strong need for al spacer allowing to overcome drawbacks associated with existing spacers.

The Inventors have surprisingly discovered a new spacer allowing to overcome drawbacks associated with spacers of the prior art.

Depending on the nature of the constitutive material involved in the manufacturing of the spacers; spacers according to the invention comprise at least one of the following unexpected advantages:

-   -   do not expanse or shrink because of temperature and/or humidity         variations;     -   make easier the work of carpenters, electricians and plumbers,         as well as various professionals proceeding with the         installation of panels (e.g. sheetrock panels) on the frame         structure;     -   do not generate dusts;     -   do not require using dangerous tools to provide openings         therethrough;     -   have knock-out portions allowing to easily provide determined         openings therethrough;     -   improve thermal and/or sound insulations by avoiding resonance         and/or thermal bridges;     -   when made of metal, prevent eventual chemical reactions between         constitutive metal;     -   respect national/regional building codes;     -   allow a quick and safe installation with screws or nails;     -   is lighter and less bulky than wood spacers; and/or     -   contribute to avoid waste and overconsumption of lumber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to several aspects illustrated by the following embodiments [1] to [59]:

-   -   [1] A spacer for interconnecting in a frame structure, adjacent         elongated members having a determined width and maintaining a         determined distance between said adjacent elongated members,         wherein said spacer comprises:         -   a main member having opposite ends,         -   at least one first attachment member and         -   at least one second attachment member,     -   wherein the at least one first attachment member is secured to         one of the opposite ends of the main member, and the at least         one second attachment member is secured to the other of the         opposite ends,     -   wherein the at least one first attachment member is adapted to         cooperate with at least one first fastener for fastening the         same to one of the adjacent elongated members,     -   wherein the at least one second attachment member is adapted to         cooperate with at least one second fastener for fastening the         same to the other of the adjacent elongated members,     -   wherein the main member has a length corresponding to the         determined distance between the adjacent elongated members, and         a width which is close to the width of the adjacent elongated         members, and     -   wherein the main member is further provided with at least one         removable knock-out portion substantially covering or closing at         least one corresponding opening provided in the main member.     -   [2] The spacer according to [1], wherein the at least one first         attachment member forms a first attachment plate, and the at         least one second attachment member forms a second attachment         plate.     -   [3] The spacer according to [1], wherein the at least one first         attachment member is further provided with at least one         fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at         least one first fastener, and wherein the at least one second         attachment member is further provided with at least one second         fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at         least one second fastener.     -   [4] The spacer according to [2], wherein the at least one first         attachment plate is further provided with at least one fastening         opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one         first fastener, and wherein the at least one second attachment         plate is further provided with at least one second fastening         opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one         second fastener.     -   [5] The spacer according to [1], wherein the at least one first         fastener makes an integral part of the at least one first         attachment member.     -   [6] The spacer according to [1], [3] or [5], wherein the at         least one second fastener makes an integral part of the at least         one second attachment member.     -   [7] The spacer according to [2] or [4], wherein the at least one         first fastener makes an integral part of the at least one first         attachment plate, and wherein the at least one second fastener         makes an integral part of the second attachment plate.     -   [8] The spacer according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the         at least one removable knock-out portion and a portion of the         main member the corresponding opening are joined together by at         least one breakable member or by at least one weakened line.     -   [9] The spacer according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the         main member, the at least one first attachment member and the at         least one second attachment member are made of a material         selected from the group consisting of metallic materials,         fiberglass materials, plastic materials, and composite         materials.     -   [10] The spacer according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the         main member, the at least one first attachment member and the at         least one second attachment member are made of a steel sheet.         Preferably the sheet of metal is a sheet of steel, more         preferably a sheel of galvanized steel. Much more preferably,         the sheet of metal may have a gauge varying from 18 to 25, and         even more preferably a gauge of about 18 or 20.     -   [11] The spacer according to [9], wherein the main member, the         at least one first attachment member and the at least one second         attachment member are made of a sheet of metal. Preferably the         sheet of metal is a sheet of steel, more preferably a sheet of         galvanized steel. Much more preferably, the sheet of metal may         have a gauge varying from 18 to 25, and even more preferably a         gauge of about 18 or 20.     -   [12] The spacer according to any one of [1] to [11], wherein the         main member, the at least one first attachment member, and the         at least one second attachment member are further provided with         reinforcing portions and/or reinforcing members.     -   [13] The spacer according to any one of [1] to [12], wherein         when one of the adjacent elongated members is provided with an         elongaged «C» channel having a transversal «C» cross section,         then the at least one first attachment member or the at least         one second attachment, and optionally a corresponding portion of         the main member, are sized to be housed within said «C» channel.     -   [14] The spacer according to any one of [1] to [12], wherein         when both of the adjacent elongated members are each provided         with an elongaged «C» channel having a transversal «C» cross         section, then either the at least one first attachment member         and a corresponding portion of the main member are sized to be         housed within the «C» channel of one of the at adjacent         elongated members, and the at least one second attachment member         is sized to be secured to the back of the «C» channel of the         other of the adjacent elongated members; or the at least one         first attachment member, the at least one second attachment         member, and corresponding portions of the main member are sized         to be respectively housed within the «C» channels of the         adjacent elongated members.     -   [15] A metal spacer for interconnecting in a frame structure,         adjacent elongated members having a determined width and         maintaining a determined distance between said adjacent         elongated members, wherein said metal spacer comprises:         -   a main member having opposite ends,         -   at least one first attachment plate and         -   at least one second attachment plate,     -   wherein the at least one first attachment plate is secured to         one of the opposite ends of the main member,     -   wherein the at least one second attachment plate is secured to         the other of the opposite ends,     -   wherein the at least one first attachment plate is adapted to         cooperate with at least one first fastener for fastening the         same to one of the adjacent elongated members,     -   wherein the at least one second attachment plate is adapted to         cooperate with at least one second fastener for fastening the         same to the other of the adjacent elongated members,     -   wherein the main member has a length corresponding to the         determined distance between the adjacent elongated members, and         a width which is close to the width of the adjacent elongated         members, and     -   wherein the main member is further provided with at least one         removable knock-out portion substantially covering or closing at         least one corresponding opening provided in the main member.     -   [16] The metal spacer according to [15], wherein the main member         further comprises at least one reinforcing portion and/or at         least one reinforcing member.     -   [17] The metal spacer according to [15], wherein the main member         further comprises at least two reinforcing members each         positioned on opposite sides of the main member along the length         of said main member.     -   [18] The metal spacer according to [17], wherein the main         member, the reinforcing members, the at least one first         attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate         are made by cutting and folding corresponding portions of a         single sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower face.     -   [19] The metal spacer according to [17], wherein each of the         reinforcement members is obtained by folding a portion of the         sheet of metal along a junction line positioned between one of         the reinforcing members and the main member, and folding another         portion of the sheet of metal along a junction line positioned         between the other of the reinforcing members and the main         member, to have the main member and the reinforcement members         forming a first channel.     -   [20] The metal spacer according to [18] or [19], wherein the at         least one first attachment plate is obtained by folding a         portion of the sheet of metal along a junction line positioned         between the at least one first attachment plate and the main         member, and the at least one second attachment plate is obtained         by folding a portion of the sheet of metal along a junction line         positioned between the at least one second attachment plate and         the main member, to form a second channel.     -   [21] The metal spacer according to [20], wherein the first         channel and the second channel are respectively opened toward         opposite directions.     -   [22] The metal spacer according to [20] or [21], wherein the         first channel is a «U» channel and the second channel is a «U»         channel.     -   [23] The metal spacer according to any one [15] to [19], wherein         the single sheet of metal is a sheet of steel having a gauge         varying from 18 to 25.     -   [24] The metal spacer according to [23], wherein the sheet of         steel has a gauge of about 18 or 20.     -   [25] The spacer according to any one of [15] to [24], wherein         the at least one first fastener makes an integral part of the at         least one first attachment plate.     -   [26] The spacer according to [25], wherein the at least one         first fastener comprises at least one first tongue-shaped nail         punched-out from the portion of the sheet of metal forming the         at least one first attachment plate, the at least one first         tongue-shaped nail being oriented for engaging one of the         corresponding adjacent elongated members.     -   [27] The spacer according to [26], wherein the at least one         first fastener comprises a plurality of first tongue-shaped         nails punched-out from the portion of the sheet of metal forming         the at least one first attachment plate.     -   [28] The spacer according to any one of [15] to [27], wherein         the at least one second fastener makes an integral part of the         at least one second attachment plate.     -   [29] The spacer according to [28], wherein the at least one         second fastener comprises a at least one second tongue-shaped         nail punched-out from the portion of the sheet of metal forming         the at least one second attachment plate, the at least one         second tongue-shaped nail being oriented for engaging one of the         corresponding adjacent elongated members.     -   [30] The spacer according to [28], wherein the at least one         second fastener comprises a plurality of second tongue-shaped         nails punched-out from the portion of the sheet of metal forming         the at least one second attachment plate,     -   [31] The spacer according to any one of [15] to [30], wherein         the at least one first attachment plate is further provided with         at least one first fastening opening adapted to receive and         cooperate with the at least one first fastener, and wherein the         at least one second attachment plate is further provided with at         least one second fastening opening adapted to receive and         cooperate with the at least one fastener.     -   [32] The spacer according to any one of [15] to [31], wherein         the at least one removable knock-out portion and the         corresponding opening are joined together by at least one         breakable member or at least one weakening line.     -   [33] The spacer according to any one of [15] to [32], wherein         the main member, the at least one first attachment plate, and/or         the at least one second attachment member are further provided         with at least one reinforcing portion.     -   [34] The spacer according to [33], wherein the at least one         reinforcing portion two reinforcing portions.     -   [35] The metal spacer according to any one of [1] to [34],         wherein the at least one removable knock-out portion comprises         three removable knock-out portions, and wherein the at least one         corresponding opening comprises three openings.     -   [36] The metal spacer according to [35], wherein each of the         three openings has a determined size and shape to allow         receiving or passing therethrough an element or an article         having a cross section of similar size and shape.     -   [37] The metal spacer according to [36], wherein the element is         a sleeve designed for the passage of an electric wire, said         sleeve being pressed fit in a corresponding opening of the main         member.     -   [38] The metal spacer according to any one of [15] to [37],         wherein when one of the adjacent elongated members is provided         with an elongaged «C» channel having a transversal «C» cross         section, then the at least one first attachment plate or the at         least one second attachment plate, and optionally a         corresponding portion of the main member, are sized to be housed         within a corresponding «C» channel.     -   [39] The spacer according to any one of [15] to [37], wherein         when both of the adjacent elongated members are each provided         with an elongated «C» channel having a transversal «C» cross         section, then either the at least one first attachment plate and         a corresponding portion of the main member are sized to be         housed within the «C» channel of one of the at adjacent         elongated members, and the at least one second attachment plate         is sized to be secured to the back of the «C» channel of the         other of the adjacent elongated members; or the at least one         first attachment plate, the at least one second attachment         plate, first fastening member, the and corresponding portions of         the main member are sized to be respectively housed within «C»         channels of the adjacent elongated members.     -   [40] A method for the manufacturing of the spacer defined in any         one of [1] to [14], wherein said method at least comprises a         step of forming the main member, the at least one first         attachment member, the at least one second attachment member,         and the at least one removable knock-out portion covering or         closing the at least one corresponding opening provided in the         main member.     -   [41] A method for the manufacturing of a metal spacer defined in         any one of [15] to [39], said method at least comprising the         steps of:         -   cutting a sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower             face, to define the main member, the at least one first             attachment plate and the at least one second attachment             plate; and         -   stamping with a die at least one portion of the main member             to define the at least one removable knock-out portion             covering or closing the at least one corresponding opening             provided in the main member.     -   [42] The method according to [41], further comprising the steps         of:         -   cutting in the sheet of metal having an upper face and a             lower face, at least two reinforcement member;         -   folding one of the reinforcement members along a junction             line of the reinforcement member with the main member,             folding one of the other reinforcement members along a             junction line of this reinforcement member with the main             member to form a first channel; and         -   folding the at least one first attachment plate and the at             least one second attachment plate along respective junction             lines joining them with the main member to form a second             channel.     -   [43] The method according to [41] or [42], further comprising         the step of stamping at least one portion of the main member to         define at least one reinforcing embossment defining the at least         one reinforcement portion.     -   [44] A method for interconnecting adjacent elongated members,         said method comprising the step of positioning the spacer         defined in any one of [1] to between the adjacent elongated         members, to have its reinforcement members substantially         co-planar with each of corresponding edges of the adjacent,         elongated members, and fastening the at least one first         attachment member and the at least one second attachment member         to corresponding adjacent elongated members.     -   [45] A method for interconnecting adjacent elongated members,         said method comprising the step of positioning the spacer         defined in any one of [15] to between the adjacent elongated         members, to have its reinforcement members substantially         co-planar with each of corresponding edges of the adjacent,         elongated members, and fastening the at least one first         attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate to         corresponding adjacent elongated members.     -   [46] A use of the spacer defined in any one of [1] to [39] for         interconnecting adjacent elongated members together.     -   [47] The spacer according to [15], wherein the main member         further comprises at least one reinforcing portion and/or at         least one reinforcing member; wherein the at least one first         attachment member is at least one first attachment plate,         wherein the at least one second attachment member is at least         one second attachment plate, wherein the main member, the         reinforcing members, the at least one first attachment plate and         the at least one second attachment plate are obtained by cutting         and folding corresponding portions of a single sheet of metal         having an upper face and a lower face; and wherein the single         sheet of metal is a sheet of steel, having a gauge varying from         18 to 25.     -   [48] The spacer according to [47], wherein the at least one         first fastener makes an integral part of the at least one first         attachment plate, wherein the at least one second fastener makes         an integral part of the at least one first attachment plate.     -   [49] The spacer according to [47],     -   wherein the at least one first attachment plate is further         provided with at least one first fastening opening adapted to         receive and cooperate with the at least one first fastener,     -   wherein the at least one second attachment plate is further         provided with at least one second fastening opening adapted to         receive and cooperate with the at least one second fastener,     -   wherein the at least one first fastener is part of at least one         first fastening system comprising a L-shaped elongated element         provided with a first portion having a first end and a second         end opposite to the first end, and a second portion having a         first end and a second end opposite to the first end,         -   the first end of the first portion being connected             (preferably making an integral part of the at least one             first attachment plate, and/or being pivotally connected) to             the at least one first attachment plate,         -   the first portion defining a connector between the at least             one first attachment plate and the second portion, the             second end of the first portion and the first end of the             second portion being connected to form a shoulder at the             L-shaped elongated element,         -   the second end of the second portion being sharpened, and             the second portion defining the at least one first fastener             (preferably a nail or a tongue-shaped nail),         -   the L-shaped elongated element being movable from a raised             position where the second end of the second portion is             positioned above the at least one first fastening opening,             to a lowered position where the at least one first fastener             is adapted to engage via the at least one first fastening             opening a corresponding adjacent elongated member of the             frame structure; and     -   wherein the at least one second fastener is part of at least one         second fastening system comprising a L-shaped elongated element         provided with a first portion having a first end and a second         end opposite to the first end, and a second portion having a         first end and a second end opposite to the first end,         -   the first end of the first portion being connected             (preferably making an integral part of the at least one             first attachment plate, and/or being pivotally connected) to             the at least one second attachment plate,         -   the first portion defining a connector between the at least             one second attachment plate and the second portion, the             second end of the first portion and the first end of the             second portion being connected to form a shoulder at the             L-shaped elongated element,         -   the second end of the second portion being sharpened, and             the second portion defining the at least one second fastener             (preferably a nail or a tongue-shaped nail), the L-shaped             elongated element being movable from a raised position where             the second end of the second portion is positioned above the             at least one second fastening opening, to a lowered position             where the at least one second fastener is adapted to engage             via the at least one second fastening opening a             corresponding adjacent elongated member of the frame             structure.     -   [50] The spacer according to [49], wherein the L-shaped         elongated element of the at least one first fastening system is         obtained by punching out a portion of the at least one first         attachment plate, and wherein the L-shaped elongated element of         the at least one second fastening system is obtained by punching         out a portion of the at least one second attachment plate.     -   [51] The spacer according to [47], wherein the at least one         first attachment plate is further provided with at least one         first fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with         the at least one first fastener, and wherein the at least one         second attachment plate is further provided with at least one         second fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with         the at least one fastener.     -   [52] The spacer according to [47], wherein the at least one         removable knock-out portion and the corresponding opening are         joined together by at least one breakable member or at least one         weakening line.     -   [53] The spacer according to [47], wherein the main member, the         at least one first attachment plate, and the at least one second         attachment plate are further provided with the at least one         reinforcing portion.     -   [54] The spacer according to [47], wherein the at least one         removable knock-out portion has a determined size and shape to         allow receiving or passing therethrough an element or an article         having a cross section of similar size and shape.     -   [55] The spacer according to [54], wherein the element is a         sleeve designed for the passage of an electric wire, said sleeve         being pressed fit in a corresponding opening of the main member.     -   [56] A method according to [41], wherein when the spacer is made         of a sheet of metal, said method at least comprises the steps         of:         -   cutting a sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower             face, to define the main member, the at least one first             attachment plate and the at least one second attachment             plate; and         -   stamping with a die at least one portion of the main member             to define the at least one removable knock-out portion             covering or closing the at least one corresponding opening             provided in the main member.     -   [57] The method according to [56], wherein said method further         comprises a step of folding the sheet of metal to form the main         member, the at least one first attachment plate and the at least         one second attachment plate.     -   [58] The method according to [56], wherein said method further         comprises a step of stamping at least one portion of the main         member to define at least one reinforcing embossment defining         the at least one reinforcing portion.     -   [59] The method according to [56], wherein when the spacer is         metal spacer made of a sheet of metal and comprising         -   a main member having opposite ends,         -   at least one first attachment plate and         -   at least one second attachment plate,     -   wherein the at least one first attachment plate is secured to         one of the opposite ends of the main member,     -   wherein the at least one second attachment plate is secured to         the other of the opposite ends,     -   wherein the at least one first attachment plate is adapted to         cooperate with at least one first fastener for fastening the         same to one of the adjacent elongated members,     -   wherein the at least one second attachment plate is adapted to         cooperate with at least one second fastener for fastening the         same to the other of the adjacent elongated members,     -   wherein the main member has a length corresponding to the         determined distance between the adjacent elongated members, and         a width which is close to the width of the adjacent elongated         members, and     -   wherein the main member is further provided with at least one         removable knock-out portion substantially covering or closing at         least one corresponding opening provided in the main member,     -   wherein the main member, the reinforcing members, the at least         one first attachment plate and the at least one second         attachment plate are obtained by cutting and folding         corresponding portions of a single sheet of metal having an         upper face and a lower face; and     -   wherein the single sheet of metal is a sheet of steel having a         gauge varying from 18 to 25.     -   said method comprising a step of positioning the metal spacer         between the adjacent elongated members, to have its         reinforcement members substantially co-planar with each of         corresponding edges of the adjacent, elongated members, and         fastening the at least one first attachment plate and the at         least one second attachment plate to corresponding adjacent         elongated members.

According to another preferred embodiment, the at least one first attachment member or the at least one first attachment plate, and the at least one second attachment member or the at least one second attachment plate, form an integral part of the main member.

Preferably the sheet of metal may be a sheet of steel, more preferably a sheet of galvanized steel.

Preferably the sheet of metal may have a gauge varying from 18 to 25, more preferably about 18 or 20.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a sheet of metal provided with sections that will define a first embodiment of a metal spacer;

FIG. 2 represents the first embodiment of the metal spacer according to the invention;

FIG. 3 represents a variant of the metal spacer of FIG. 2 where the breakable members are replaced by a weakening line.

FIG. 4 represents the metal spacer of FIG. 2 further provided with optional fittings 41 a and 41 c.

FIG. 5 represents a cross sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 4 (further provided with optional fitting 41 b), positioned between posts 101 and 101′.

FIG. 6 represents a top view of the metal spacer of FIG. 5 with panels further enclosing said metal spacer within the adjacent elongated members and to substantially prevent air circulation between the metal spacer, the adjacent elongated members and the panels.

FIG. 7 represents a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 3 according to line VII-VII.

FIG. 8 represents a partial view of the metal spacer of FIG. 2 where the opening 13 have been replaced by a plurality of tongue-shaped nails 14, or the openings 15 have been replaced by a plurality of tongue-shaped nails 16.

FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of a fitting 41 a or 41 c appearing in the metal spacer of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 10 represents a perspective view of a sheet of metal provided with sections of a second embodiment of a metal spacer (designed for use with «C» channel metal posts);

FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of the second embodiment of the metal spacer;

FIG. 12 represents a variant of the metal spacer of FIG. 11 where the breakable members are replaced by a weakening line.

FIG. 13 represents a cross-sectional view according to XIII-XIII of the metal spacer of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 represents a cross-sectional view of the metal spacer of FIG. 12 when positioned between a pair of «C» channel posts, and with an electric wires and a metal pipe passing through the openings of said metal spacer;

FIG. 15 represents a top view of the metal spacer of FIG. 14 with panels further enclosing said metal spacer within the adjacent elongated members to substantially prevent air circulation between the metal spacer, the adjacent elongated members and the panels.

FIG. 16 represents the third embodiment of a spacer according to the invention;

FIG. 17 represents a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 16 according to line XVII-XVII; and

FIG. 18 represents a cross-sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 16 according to line XVIII-XVIII, with removable elements removed.

FIG. 19 represents a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a metal spacer.

FIG. 20 represents a top plan view of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 represents a side elevational view of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 22 represents a end elevational view of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 23 represents a perspective view of a fifth embodiment with openings (i.e. with removable elements not present).

FIG. 24 represents a top plan view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 25 represents a side elevational view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 26 represents a end elevational view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 27 represents a cross sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 19 (further provided with optional fitting).

FIG. 28 represents a top view of the metal spacer of FIG. 19 with panels further enclosing said metal spacer within the adjacent elongated members and to substantially prevent air circulation between the metal spacer, the adjacent elongated members and the panels.

FIG. 29 represents a cross sectional view of the spacer of FIG. 23 (further provided with optional fitting 41 b).

FIG. 30 represents a top view of the metal spacer of FIG. 23 with panels further enclosing said metal spacer within the adjacent elongated members and to substantially prevent air circulation between the metal spacer, the adjacent elongated members and the panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED ASPECTS THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the invention relates to a spacer 3, 303 or 1003 (a metal spacer for positioning between posts), a spacer 303 (a metal spacer for positing between metallic «C» channel posts) or a spacer 603 (a non-metallic spacer for positioning between posts).

Metal Spacer 3 According to a First Preferred Aspect of the Invention

As mentioned above, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 the drawings, the metal spacer 3 is intended for interconnecting adjacent elongated members 101, 101′ of a frame structure. Examples of the adjacent elongated members 101, 101′ may consist of posts of a frame structure (e.g. wooden posts, metal posts, wooden joists, metal joists, etc.). The frame structure is generally further covered with covering material (e.g. panels of wood, sheetrock, etc.) to form a wall, a floor, a ceiling, a roof, etc.

The metal spacer 3 comprises: a main member 5, reinforcing members 7 a and 7 b, a first attachment plate 9, and a second attachment plate 11. The main member 5 has a length L and a width W, the length L corresponding to a distance separating the elongated members 101, 101′, and the width W being close to the width of the elongated members 101, 101′,

The reinforcing member 7 a is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 5 along the junction 8 a. The reinforcing member 7 b is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 5 at the junction 8 b. More preferably, reinforcing members 7 a and 7 b substantially extend along the whole length L of the main member 5, and they may have a height H that will contribute to strengthen the main member 5, preferably a height varying from 0.1 inch to few inches, much more preferably from 0.1 inch to 2 inches.

The first attachment plate 9 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 5 along the junction 10, and the second attachment plate 11 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 5 along the junction 12.

The first attachment plate 9 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members 101. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 13, are provided in the first attachment plate 9. These openings 13 are adapted to be engaged by fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) further engaging elongated member 101.

The second attachment plate 11 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to the elongated members 101′. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 15, are provided in the first attachment plate 11. These openings 15 are adapted to be engaged by fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) further engaging the elongated member 101′.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the openings 13 of the attachment plate 9 and/or the openings 15 of the attachment plate 11 may be replaced by a plurality of teeth or tongue-shaped nails 14, 16 obtained by any appropriate means well known in the art, preferably by die stamping of the attachment plate 9 and/or the attachment plate 11. This alternative may be advantageous when the elongated members are wood posts. Then, the carpenter only has to drive said teeth or tongue-shaped nails in the wood posts with a hammer (e.g. the attachment plate 9 or 11 is struck with the hammer). In such case the first attachment plate 9 and the second attachment plate 11 may be optionally slightly inclined to ease the positioning of the spacer 3 between elongated members (101, 101′) made of wood.

The main member 5 is further provided with at least one portion comprising an opening covered or closed by a corresponding removable element fastened to the main member by at least one breakable member. As illustrated in the drawings, three distinct portions 31 a, 31 b and 31 c comprising corresponding openings 33 a, 33 b and 33 c respectively covered or closed by corresponding removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c. The removable element 35 a is fastened to the main member 3 by breakable members 37 a, the removable element 35 b is fastened to the main member 3 by breakable members 37 b, and the removable element 35 c is fastened to the main member 3 by breakable members 37 c. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings, the removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c are respectively fastened to the corresponding portions 31 a, 31 b and 31 c by a weakening line 36 a, 36 b and 36 c. Each of the weakening line 36 a, 36 b and 36 c is formed by thinning a part of the distinct portions 31 a, 31 b and 31 c.

When the removable element 35 a is removed, access is given to the opening 33 a. The removable element 35 a is removed by breaking the breakable members 37 a by any appropriate means. As an example, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver can be used to break the breakable members 37 a, to remove or punch out the removable element and to open the opening 33 a. Alternatively, when a weakening line 36 a is provided, the removable element 35 a is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable element 35 a, and break the weakening line 36 a. As an example, the removable element 35 a may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

When the removable element 35 b is removed, access is given to the opening 33 b. The removable element 35 b is removed by breaking the breakable members 37 b by any appropriate means. As an example, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver can be used to break the breakable members 37 b, to remove or punch out the removable element and to open the opening 33 b. Alternatively, when a weakening line 36 b is provided, the removable element 35 b is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable element 35 b, and break the weakening line 36 a. As an example, the removable element 35 b may be struck by the blade of a screw driver

When the removable element 35 c is removed, access is given to the opening 33 c. The removable element 35 c is removed by breaking the breakable members 37 c by any appropriate means. As an example, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver can be used to break the breakable members 37 c, to remove or punch out the removable element and to open the opening 33 c. Alternatively, when a weakening line 36 c is provided, the removable element 35 c is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 35 c, and break the weakening line. As an example, the removable element 35 b may be struck by the blade of a screw driver

Of course, any one of the removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c may be knocked out before or after positioning of the spacer 3 between the adjacent elongaged members 101, 101′.

Optionally, any one of the openings 33 a, 33 b and 33 c may be further provided conventional plastic fitting allowing to pass therethrough electric wires and/or other pipings. As illustrated, optional fittings 41 a and 41 c are PVC fittings currently used in the field of electric boxes. Said fittings 41 a and 41 c are sized to be just press fit in any one of the openings 33 a and 33 c. Non limitative examples of fittings 41 a and 41 c may be those commercialized under the tradename LOOMEX CONNECTOR. Also, optional fitting 41 b may be of any type suitable to fit within the opening 33 b. Optional fitting 41 b can be made of any suitable plastic material, such as PVC. Of course, any other type of fitting or connectors can be used. Fittings 41 a, 41 b and 41 c are useful to prevent electric wires, pipings or elements to be damaged due to a direct contact with the metal spacer. Also, they are useful to preferably minimize and/or more preferably prevent air of flowing across the spacer 3.

Manufacture of the Metal Spacer 3

With reference to FIG. 1 , there is represented a sheet of steel 1 (obtained from a larger sheet of steel) having a gauge of about 18 and cut out to define different parts of a metal spacer 3. The metal spacer 3 comprises a main member 5, reinforcing members 7 a and 7 b, a first attachment plate 9 and a second attachment plate 11.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the metal spacer 3 may be preferably obtained according to a process comprising the following steps:

Step 1: Cutting from a sheet of steel, the sheet of metal 1 having an upper face and a lower face, and provided with portions defining the main member 5, the reinforcing members 7 a and 7 b, the first attachment plate 9 and the second attachment plate 11.

The cutting of the sheet of metal can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working. Preferably, the sheet of metal may be steel sheet having a gauge varying from 18 to 25, preferably a gauge of about 18. More preferably, the sheet of steel is a gauge 18 galvanized steel sheet.

Step 2: Stamping the main member 5 to define portions 31 a, 31 b and 31 c comprising openings 33 a, 33 b and 33 c covered or closed by removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c fastened to the main member 5 by four breakable members 37 a, four breakable members 37 b and four breakable members 37 c, or alternatively fastened to the main member 5 by the weakening lines 36 a, 36 b and 36 c.

Optionally, the openings 13 and 15 of the tongue-shaped nails 14 and 16 can be made in a step 2a by stamping portions of the sheet of metal 1 corresponding to the first attachment plate 9 and the second attachment plate 11. More preferably, this stamping can be made by any appropriate means, before or after step 2, or more preferably simultaneously with step 2.

Step 3: Folding the reinforcing members 7 a along the junction line 8 a, and folding the reinforcing member 7 b along the junction line 8 b, to form a «U» channel with the upper face of the main member 5. The folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Step 4: Folding the first attachment 9 along the junction line 10, and the second attachment plate 11 along the junction line 12. Again, the folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Optionally, steps 1, 2, 2a, 3 and 4 can be made in any order. Also, two or several of said steps can be made simultaneously. Also, two or more of said steps 1, 2, 2a, 3 and 4 may be carried out simultaneously. Also, stamping and folding steps may be carried out according to any appropriate techniques well known in the art.

The metal spacer 3 has a determined width W and length L. The length L corresponds to the standard distances between adjacent joists or posts of a frame structure, and the width W corresponds to the width of said joists or posts (i.e corresponding to the thickness of the frame structure (not considering the thickness of any covering materials fixed thereto). Example of the width W and length L may vary from 10.5 inches to 22.5 inches. Example of the height H may vary from 0.1 to few inches, preferably from 1 to 2 inches, more preferably about 2 inches.

When necessary, any one of the removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c can be removed to give access to the openings 33 a, 33 b and 33 c. To do so, as mentioned above, any one of the removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c can be removed by breaking the corresponding breakable members 37 a, 37 b and 37 c. or the weakening lines 36 a, 36 b and 36 c.This operation can be made using a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, etc..

Optionally, as mentioned above, the plastic fittings 41 a, 41 b and 41 c are conventional plastic fittings. They are positioned within the corresponding openings 33 a, 33 b and 33 c by any appropriate means, preferably manually.

Method and Use of the Metal Spacer 3 for Interconnecting Adjacent Elongated Members of a Frame Structure

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is represented a metal spacer 3 as illustrated in FIG. 4 , positioned between posts 101 and 101′. The metal spacer 3 is fastened to the posts 101, 101′ with screws 103 engaging the first attachment plate 9 and the post 101, and screws 103′ engaging the second attachment plate 11 and the post 101′.

Optionally, if the metal spacer 3 is provided with tongue-shaped nail 14, 16 as illustrated in FIG. 8 , said tongue-shaped nails 14, 16 are driven in post 101, 101′ with a hammer. The hammer merely hits the first attachment plate 9 and the second attachment plate 11 to drive the tongue-shaped nails 14, 16 in the post 101, 101′.

A metal piping 121 may be passed through the opening 33 b, and electric wires 131 a and 131 c are passed through the fittings 41 a and 41 c. Also, optionally, as preferably illustrated, a fitting 41 b may be positioned in the opening 33 b to prevent contact of the metal piping with the main portion 5, and also to minimize and more preferably prevent air of flowing via the opening 33 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the metal spacer 3 minimize the possibility of having air flowing between said metal spacer 3, posts 101 and 101′ and covering materials 151 and 151′ (e.g. gypsum plates). Also, in the frame structure, posts 101 and 101′ may be secured to other metal spacers 3′ and 3″. Indeed, there is no openings between the spacer 3 and the posts 101, 101′ and the covering materials 151, 151′.

Metal Spacer 303 According to a First Preferred Aspect of the Invention

As mentioned above, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15 of the drawings, the metal spacer 303 is intended for interconnecting adjacent elongated members 301, 301′ of a frame structure. Examples of the adjacent elongated members 301, 301′ may consist of «C» channel metal posts.

The metal spacer 303 comprises: a main member 305, reinforcing embossments 306 a and 306 b, reinforcing members 307 a and 307 b, a first attachment plate 309, and a second attachment plate 311. The main member 305 has a length L′ and a width W′, the length L′ corresponding to a distance separating the elongated members 301, 301′, the width being close to the width of the elongated members 301, 301′.

The reinforcing member 307 a is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 305 along the junction 308 a. The reinforcing member 307 b is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 305 at the junction 308 b. More preferably, reinforcing members 307 a and 307 b substantially extend along the whole length L of the main member 305, and they may have a height H′ that will contribute to strengthen the main member 5, preferably a height varying from 0.1 inch to few inches, much more preferably from 0.1 inch to 2 inches.

The first attachment 309 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 305 along the junction 310, and the second attachment plate 311 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 305 along the junction 312. Preferably, the first attachment 309 and a portion 305 a of the main member 305 has a width W′₁ that is slightly smaller than the width W′ of the member 305 to allow an easy housing of the same within the «C» channel of the post 301. Also, optionally, notches 305 b may be further provided to receive the ends of the «C» of the «C» channel metal post 301.

The first attachment plate 309 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members 301. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 313, are provided in the first attachment plate 309. These openings 313 are adapted to be engaged by fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) which are adapted to further engage the elongated member 301.

The second attachment plate 311 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to the elongated members 301′. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 315, are provided in the first attachment plate 311. These openings 315 are adapted to be engaged by fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) which are adapted to further engage the elongated member 301′.

The main member 305 is further provided with at least one portion comprising an opening covered or closed by a corresponding removable element fastened to the main member by at least one breakable member. As illustrated in the drawings, three distinct portions 331 a, 331 b and 331 c comprising corresponding openings 333 a, 333 b and 333 c respectively obstructed by corresponding removable elements 335 a, 335 b and 335 c. The removable element 335 a is fastened to the main member 305 by breakable members 337 a, the removable element 335 b is fastened to the main member 305 by breakable members 337 b, and the removable element 335 c is fastened to the main member 305 by breakable members 337 c. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 of the drawings, the removable elements 335 a, 335 b and 335 c are respectively fastened to the main member 305 by a weakening line 336 a, 336 b and 336 c. Each of the weakening line 336 a, 336 b and 336 c is formed by thinning a part of the distinct portions 31 a, 31 b and 31 c.

When the removable element 335 a is removed, access is given to the opening 333 a. The removable element 335 a is removed by breaking the breakable members 337 a by any appropriate means. As an example, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver can be used to break the breakable members 337 a, to remove or punch out the removable element and to open the opening 333 a. Alternatively, when a weakening line 336 a is provided, the elements 335 a is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 335 a, and break the weakening line 336 a. As an example, the removable element 335 a may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

When the removable element 335 b is removed, access is given to the opening 333 b. The removable element 335 b is removed by breaking the breakable members 337 b by any appropriate means. As an example, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver can be used to break the breakable members 337 b, to remove or punch out the removable element and to open the opening 333 b. Alternatively, when a weakening line 336 b is provided, the elements 335 b is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 335 b, and break the weakening line 336 b. As an example, the removable element 335 b may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

When the removable element 335 c is removed, access is given to the opening 333 c. The removable element 335 c is removed by breaking the breakable members 337 c by any appropriate means. As an example, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver can be used to break the breakable members 337 c, to remove or punch out the removable element and to open the opening 333 c. Alternatively, when a weakening line 336 c is provided, the elements 335 c is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 335 c, and break the weakening line 336 c. As an example, the removable element 335 c may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

Of course, any one of the removable elements 335 a, 335 b and 335 c may be knocked out before or after positioning of the spacer 303 between the adjacent elongaged members 301, 301′.

Optionally, any one of the openings 333 a, 333 b and 333 c may be further provided conventional plastic fitting allowing to pass therethrough electric wires and/or other pipings. As illustrated, optional fittings 341 a and 341 c are PVC fittings currently used in the field of electric boxes. Said fittings 341 a and 341 c are sized to be just press fit in any one of the openings 333 a and 333 c. Non limitative examples of fittings 341 a and 341 c may be those commercialized under the tradename LOOMEX CONNECTOR. Also, optional fitting 341 b may be of any type suitable to fit within the opening 333 b. Optional fitting 341 b can be made of any suitable plastic material, such as PVC. Of course, any other type of fitting or connectors can be used. Fittings 341 a, 341 b and 341 c are useful to prevent electric wires, pipings or elements to be damaged due to a direct contact with the metal spacer. Also, they are useful to preferably minimize and/or more preferably prevent air of flowing across the spacer 3.

Optionally, in a way similar to the alternative illustrated in FIG. 8 , the first attachment plate 309 and the second attachment plate 311 may be provided with tongue-shaped nails which are similar to tongue-shaped nails 14 and 16 illustrated in said FIG. 8 ,

Manufacture of the Metal Spacer 303

With reference to FIG. 10 , there is represented a sheet of steel 301 (obtained from a larger sheet of steel) having a gauge of about 18 and cut out to define different parts of a metal spacer 303. The metal spacer 303 comprises a main member 305, reinforcing members 307 a and 307 b, reinforcing embossments 306 a and 306 b, a first attachment plate 309 and a second attachment plate 311. Reinforcing embossments 306 a and 306 b contribute to increase the stiffness of the metal spacer 303.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the metal spacer 303 may be preferably obtained according to a process comprising the following steps:

Step 1: Cutting from a sheet of steel, the sheet of metal 301 having an upper face and a lower face, and provided with portions defining the main member 305, the reinforcing members 307 a and 307 b, the first attachment plate 309 and the second attachment plate 311.

The cutting of the sheet of metal can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working. Preferably, the sheet of metal may be steel sheet having a gauge varying from 18 to 25, preferably a gauge of about 18. More preferably, the sheet of steel is a gauge 18 galvanized steel sheet.

Step 2: Stamping the main member 305 to define portions 331 a, 331 b and 331 c comprising openings 333 a, 333 b and 333 c covered or closed by removable elements 335 a, 335 b and 335 c fastened to the main member 305 by four breakable members 337 a, four breakable members 337 b and four breakable members 337 c, or alternatively fastened to the main member 305 by the weakening lines 336 a, 336 b and 336 c. Simultaneously with step 2 or according to a separate stamping step 2b carried out before or after step 2, reinforcing embossments 306 a and 306 b are formed.

More preferably, stamping and folding steps may be carried out according to any appropriate techniques well known in the art.

Step 3: Folding the reinforcing members 307 a along the junction line 308 a, and folding the reinforcing member 307 b along the junction line 308 b, to form a «U» channel with the upper face of the main member 305. The folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Step 4: Folding the first attachment 309 along the junction line 310, and the second attachment plate 311 along the junction line 312. Again, the folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Optionally, steps 1, 2, 2b, 3 and 4 can be made in any order. Also, two or several of said steps can be made simultaneously.

If alternative tongue-shaped nails are provided in the first attachment plate 309 and the second attachment plate 311, said tongue-shaped nails are obtained by die-stamping of said first attachment plate 309 and second attachment plate 311.

The metal spacer 303 has a determined width W′ and length L′. The length L′ corresponds to the standard distances between the bottom of the «C» channel of the elongated «C» channel metal post 301, and the back of the «C«channel of the elongated «C» channel metal post 301′. Also, the cutting step 1 is adjusted to have the width L′ corresponding to the width of the elongated «C» channel metal post, except for a portion 305 a of the main member 305, and the first attachment plate 309, which have a width W′₁ that is slightly smaller than W′ to allow an easy housing of the portion 305 a and the first attachment plate 309 within the «C» channel of the elongated «C» channel metal post 301; and have notches 305 b are provide to receive the ends of the «C» of the «C» channel of the elongated «C» channel metal post 301. Preferably, the width W′, the width may vary from 3.5 inches to 5.5 inches, and the length L′ may vary from A to B, with A representing 12 inches−(a thickness of the metal sheet forming the adjacent elongated «C» channel metal post/2) and with B representing 24 inches−(a thickness of the metal sheet forming adjacent elongated «C» channel metal posts/2). An example of the length L′ when each of the adjacent elongaged «C» channel metal posts are made from a sheel of steel having gauge 18 (i.e. 0.0478 inch thick), said length L′ may vary from 11.9522 inches to 23.9522 inches. Example of the height H′ may vary from 0.1 to few inches, preferably from 1 to 2 inches, more preferably about 2 inches.

When necessary, any one of the removable elements 335 a, 335 b and 335 c can be removed to give access to the openings 333 a, 333 b and 333 c. To do so, as mentioned above, any one of the removable elements 335 a, 335 b and 335 c can be removed by breaking the corresponding breakable members 337 a, 337 b and 337 c, or the weakening lines 336 a, 336 b and 336 c.This operation can be made using a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, etc..

Optionally, as mentioned above, the plastic fittings 341 a, 341 b and 341 c are conventional plastic fittings similar to plastic fittings 41 a, 41 b and 41 c defined above concerning metal spacer 3. They are positioned within the corresponding openings 333 a, 333 b and 333 c by any appropriate means, preferably manually.

Method and use of the metal spacer 303 for interconnecting adjacent elongated members of a frame structure

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 , there is represented a metal spacer 303 as illustrated in FIG. 12 , positioned between posts 301 and 301′. The metal spacer 303 is fastened to the post 301 with screws, preferably metal screws 303, engaging the first attachment plate 309 and the post 301, and screws, preferably metal screws 303′, engaging the second attachment plate 311 and the post 301′.

A metal piping 421 may be passed through the opening 333 b, and electric wires 431 a and 431 c may be passed through the fittings 341 a and 341 c. Optionally, as illustrated, a fitting 341 b may be positioned in the opening 333 b to avoid direct contact of the metal pipe with the main member 305, and prevent air flow by said opening 333 b. Fittings 341 a, 341 b and 341 c are similar to fittings 41 a, 41 b and 41 c of the metal spacer 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , the metal spacer 303 minimize the possibility of having air flowing between said metal spacer 303, posts 301 and 301′ and covering materials 451 and 451′ (e.g. gypsum plates). Indeed, there is no openings between the spacer 303 and the posts 301, 301′ and the covering materials 451, 451′. Also, in the frame structure, posts 301 and 301′ may be secured to other metal spacers 303.

Optionally, If tongue-shaped nails are provided in the first attachment plate 309 and the second attachment plate 311, said tongue-shaped nails are driven in post 301, 301′ with a hammer. The hammer merely hits the first attachment plate 309 and the second attachment plate 311 to drive the tongue-shaped nails in the post 301, 301′,

Non-Metallic Spacer 603 According to a Third Preferred Aspect of the Invention

As mentioned above, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 of the drawings, the non-metallic spacer 603 is intended for interconnecting adjacent elongated members similar adjacent elongated members 101, 101′ illustrated for spacer 3. Examples of the adjacent elongated members may consist of wood posts.

The non-metallic spacer 603 comprises: a main member 605 reinforcing members 607 a and 607 b, a first attachment plate 609, and a second attachment plate 611. The main member 605 has a length L″ and a width W″, the length L″ corresponding to a distance separating the adjacent elongated members of the frame structure (i.e. similar to the elongated members 101 and 101′), the width L′ being close to the width of the elongated members. More preferably, reinforcing members 607 a and 607 b substantially extend along the whole length L of the main member 605, and they may have a height H″ that will contribute to strengthen the main member 605, preferably a height varying from 0.1 inch to few inches, much more preferably from 0.1 inch to 2 inches. According to a further preferred embodiment, the thickness of the main member 605, the reinforcing members 607 a and 607 b, the first attachment plate 609 and/or the second attachment plate 611 may vary from 0.1 inch to 1 inch, preferably from 0.1 inch to 0.75 inch, more preferably from 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch or 0.125 inch to 0.375 inch.

The reinforcing member 607 a is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 605 along the junction 608 a. The reinforcing member 607 b is makes an integral part of the main member 605 at the junction 608 b.

The first attachment plate 609 makes an integral part of the main member 605 along the junction 610, and the second attachment plate 611 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 605 along the junction 612.

The first attachment plate 609 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 613, are provided in the first attachment plate 609. Each of these openings 613 is adapted to be engaged by a fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) in order to further engage the corresponding elongated member.

The second attachment plate 611 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to the adjacent elongated member. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 615, are provided in the second attachment plate 611. Each of these openings 615 is adapted to be engaged by a fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) in order to further engage the corresponding elongated member.

The main member 605 is further provided with at least one portion comprising an opening obstructed by a corresponding removable element fastened to the main member by at least one breakable member. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18 of the drawings, the removable elements 635 a, 635 b and 635 c are respectively fastened to the main member 605 by the weakening lines 363 a, 363 b and 363 c. Each of the weakening line 336 a, 336 b and 336 c is formed by thinning a part of the distinct portions 331 a, 331 b and 331 c.

When the removable element 635 a is removed, access is given to the opening 633 a. The removable element 635 a is removed by breaking the weakening line 363 a. To do so, the removable element 635 a is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 635 a, and break the weakening line 363 a. As an example, the removable element 635 a may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

When the removable element 635 b is removed, access is given to the opening 633 b. The removable element 635 b is removed by breaking the weakening line 363 b. To do so, the removable element 635 b is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 635 b, and break the weakening line 363 b. As an example, the removable element 635 b may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

When the removable element 635 c is removed, access is given to the opening 633 c. The removable element 635 c is removed by breaking the weakening line 363 c. To do so, the removable element 635 c is knocked out with any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 635 c, and break the weakening line 363 c. As an example, the removable element 635 c may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

Optionally, any one of the openings 633 a, 633 b and 633 c may be further provided conventional plastic fittings allowing to pass therethrough electric wires and/or other pipings. Said plastic fittings are preferably similar to those of the first embodiment of the invention (i.e. metallic spacer 3).

Manufacture of the Non-Metallic Spacer 603

The non-metallic spacer 603 is obtained by moulding of a plastic material in a mold. Said plastic material advantageously further contains additives such as flame retardant, etc. The moulding can be carried out according to any appropriate moulding techniques well known to persons skilled in the art.

The molded non-metallic spacer 603 has an upper face and a lower face, and is provided with portions defining the main member 605, the reinforcing members 607 a and 607 b, the first attachment plate 609 and the second attachment plate 611. Preferably, any kind the plastic or composite material can be used, especially fiber glass, or preferably HDPE comprising additives such flame retardant.

The non-metallic spacer 603 has a determined width W″ and length L″. The length L″ corresponds to the standard distances between joists or posts, and the width W″ corresponds to the width of said joists or posts (i.e. corresponding to the thickness of the frame structure (i.e. not considering the thickness of any covering materials fixed to said frame structure). Examples of the standard distances may vary from 10.5 inches to 22.5 inches. Example of the height H″ may vary from 0.1 to few inches, preferably from 1 to 2 inches, more preferably about 2 inches. Examples of the thickness of the main member 605, the reinforcing members 607 a and 607 b, the first attachment plate 609 and/or the second attachment plate 611 may vary from 0.1 inch to 1 inch, preferably from 0.1 inch to 0.75 inch, more preferably from 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch or 0.125 inch to 0.375 inch, much more preferably about 0.25 inch.

When necessary, any one of the removable elements 635 a, 633 b and 635 c can be removed to give access to the openings 633 a, 633 b and 633 c. To do so, as mentioned above, any one of the removable elements 635 a, 635 b and 635 c can be removed by breaking the corresponding breakable lines 636 a, 636 b and 636 c. These breakable lines are obtained by thinning a portion of the spacer 603 between the main portion 631 a, 631 b and 631 c and the removable elements 635 a, 635 b and 635 c. This operation can be made using a pair of pliers and/or a screwdriver.

Optionally, conventional plastic fittings may be positioned within the openings 633 a, 633 b and 633 c to allow passing therethrough electric wires and/or other pipings. Any type of fittings can be used. These fittings may be positioned within the corresponding openings 633 a, 633 b and 633 c manually when necessary.

Method and Use of the Non-Metallic Spacer 603 for Interconnecting Adjacent Elongated Members of a Frame Structure

The non-metallic spacer 603 can be used in a way similar to the one concerning the spacer 3.

Metal Spacer 703 According to a Fourth Preferred Aspect of the Invention

With reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, 27 and 28 of the drawings, a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. This fourth preferred embodiment refers to a metal spacer 703 which is similar to an alternative embodiment of the spacer 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 , and intended for interconnecting adjacent elongated members 701, 701′ of a frame structure. The adjacent elongated members 701, 701′ may consist of posts of a frame structure (e.g. wooden posts), The frame structure is generally further covered with covering material (e.g. panels of wood, sheetrock, etc.) to form a wall, a floor, a ceiling, a roof, etc.

The metal spacer 703 comprises: a main member 705, reinforcing members 707 a and 707 b, a first attachment plate 709, and a second attachment plate 711. The main member 705 has a length L^(iv) and a width W^(iv), the length L^(iv) corresponding to a distance separating the elongated members 701, 701′, and the width W^(iv) being close to the width of the elongated members 701, 701′. The length L^(iv) may be of any appropriate length, preferably about 14.5 inches, and the width W^(iv) may be of any appropriate width, preferably about 3.5 inches.

The reinforcing member 707 a is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 705 along the junction 708 a. The reinforcing member 707 b is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 705 at the junction 708 b. More preferably, reinforcing members 707 a and 707 b substantially extend along the whole length L^(iv) of the main member 705, and they may have a height H^(iv) that will contribute to strengthen the main member 705, preferably a height varying from 0.1 inch to few inches, much more preferably from 0.1 inch to 2 inches, and even more preferably about 0.71 inch.

The first attachment plate 709 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 705 along the junction 710, and the second attachment plate 711 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 5 along the junction 712.

The first attachment plate 709 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members 701.

Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 713, are provided in the first attachment plate 709. Preferably, the attachment plate 709 has a width similar to the one of the main member 705 (preferably about 3.5 inches), and any suitable height (preferably about 2 inches).

The second attachment plate 711 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members 701. Preferably at least one opening, preferably two openings 715, are provided in the second attachment plate 709. Preferably, the first attachment plate 709 has a width similar to the one of the main member 705 (preferably about 3.5 inches), and any suitable height (preferably about 2 inches).

Preferably, all constitutive parts of the metal spacer 703 are made from a single sheet of metal, more particularly a single sheet of steel, and much more preferably a single sheet of galvanized steel. The sheet of metal may be of any appropriate gauge, preferably from 18 to 25, more preferably 18 or 20, more preferably 20.

Each openings 713 is further provided with a L-shaped elongated element 714 provided with a first portion 714 a having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a second portion 714 b having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first portion 714 a is connected to the at least one first attachment plate 709, the first portion 714 a defining a connector between the at least one first attachment plate 709 and the second portion 714 b, the second end of the first portion 714 a and the first end of the second portion 714 b being connected to form a shoulder 714 c at the L-shaped elongated element. The second end of the second portion 714 b is sharpened and defines at least one first fastener 803. The L-shaped elongated element 714 is movable from a raised position where the second end of the second portion is positioned above the at least one first fastening opening 713, to a lowered position where the at least one first fastener 803 is adapted to engage via the at least one first fastening opening a corresponding adjacent elongated member 701 of the frame structure. Each L-shaped elongated element 714 can be obtained by any appropriate means well known in the art, preferably by die stamping of the attachment plate 709.

Each openings 715 is further provided with a L-shaped elongated element 716 provided with a first portion 716 a having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a second portion 716 b having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first portion 716 a is connected to the at least one second attachment plate 711, the first portion 716 a defining a connector between the at least one second attachment plate 711 and the second portion 716 b, the second end of the first portion 716 a and the first end of the second portion 716 b being connected to form a shoulder 716 c at the L-shaped elongated element. The second end of the second portion 716 b is sharpened and defines at least one first fastener 803′. The L-shaped elongated element 716 is movable from a raised position where the second end of the second portion is positioned above the at least one first fastening opening 715, to a lowered position where the at least one first fastener 803′ is adapted to engage via the at least one first fastening opening 715 a corresponding adjacent elongated member 701′ of the frame structure. Each L-shaped elongated element 716 can be obtained by any appropriate means well known in the art, preferably by die stamping of the attachment plate 711.

Elements 714, 716 may have any appropriate shape, as far as they can be driven by any appropriate means into the corresponding posts 701, 701′ of the frame structure (preferably with a hammer of the type commonly use by carpenters). said posts 701, 701′ being made of wood or any other material suitable for carpentry

Preferably, the second portion 714 b and its sharpened end, and the second portion 716 b and its sharpened end are respectively engaged in the post 701 and 701′ by any appropriate means, such as by striking the shoulder 714 c and 716 c with the head of the hammer of a carpenter. Preferably, the second end of the second portion 716 b is sharpened. Also, preferably, the first attachment plate 709 and the second attachment plate 711 may be optionally slightly inclined to ease the positioning of the spacer 703 between elongated members (701, 701′) made of wood.

The main member 705 is further provided with at least one portion comprising an opening covered or closed by a corresponding removable element fastened to the main member by at least one breakable member. As illustrated in the drawings, three distinct portions 731 a, 731 b and 731 c comprising corresponding openings 733 a, 733 b and 733 c respectively covered or closed by corresponding removable elements 735 a, 735 b and 735 c. The removable element 735 a is fastened to the main member 703 by a weakening line 736 a, 736 b and 736 c. Each of the weakening line 736 a, 736 b and 736 c is formed by thinning a part of the distinct portions 731 a, 731 b and 731 c.

When the removable element 735 a is removed, access is given to the opening 733 a. The removable element 735 a can be removed by breaking the weakening line 736 a. As an example, the removable element 735 a may be knocked out by any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable element 735 a, and break the weakening line 736 a. Preferably, the removable element 735 a may be struck by the blade of a screwdriver.

When the removable element 735 b is removed, access is given to the opening 733 b. The removable element 735 b can be removed by breaking the weakening line 736 b. As an example, the removable element 735 b may be knocked out by any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable element 735 b, and break the weakening line 736 a. Preferably, the removable element 735 b may be struck by the blade of a screwdriver

When the removable element 735 c is removed, access is given to the opening 733 c. The removable element 735 c is removed by breaking the weakening line 736 c. As an example, the removable element 735 c may be knocked out by any appropriate tool allowing to impact the removable elements 735 c, and break the weakening line. Preferably, the removable element 735 b may be struck by the blade of a screw driver.

Of course, any one of the removable elements 735 a, 735 b and 735 c may be knocked out before or after positioning of the spacer 703 between the adjacent elongaged members 701, 701′.

Optionally, any one of the openings 733 a, 733 b and 733 c may be further provided with a corresponding fitting allowing to pass therethrough electric wires and/or other pipings. Such fitting may be similar to those described in connection with the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 9 .

Manufacture of the metal spacer 703

The metal spacer 703 is manufacture in a way similar to the manufacture of the metal spacer 3, as defined above.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the metal spacer 703 may be preferably obtained according to a process comprising the following steps:

Step 1: Cutting sheet of metal, said sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower face, and being provided with portions defining the main member 705, the reinforcing members 707 a and 707 b, the first attachment plate 709 and the second attachment plate 711.

The cutting of the sheet of metal can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working. Preferably, the sheet of metal may be steel sheet having a gauge varying from 18 to 25, preferably a gauge of about 18 or 20, more preferably 20. More preferably, the sheet of metal is a sheet of steel, more preferably a sheet of galvanized steel having a gauge of about 20.

Step 2: Stamping the main member 705 to define portions 731 a, 731 b and 731 c comprising openings 733 a, 733 b and 733 c covered or closed by removable elements 735 a, 735 b and 735 c fastened to the main member 705 by weakening lines 736 a, 736 b and 736 c.

Step 3: Stamping of the first attachment plate 709 and the second attachment plate 711, to form the openings 713 and 715, the L-shaped elongated elements 714, 716 and the sharpening of the second end of the second portions 714 b and 716 b. More preferably, this stamping can be made by any appropriate means, before or after step 2, or more preferably simultaneously with step 2.

Step 4: Folding the reinforcing members 707 a along the junction line 708 a, and folding the reinforcing member 707 b along the junction line 708 b, to form a «U» channel with the upper face of the main member 705. The folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Step 5: Folding the first attachment 709 along the junction line 710, and the second attachment plate 711 along the junction line 712. Again, the folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Optionally, steps 1 to 5 can be made in any order. Also, two or several of said steps can be made simultaneously. Also, two or more of said steps 1 to 5 may be carried out simultaneously. Also, stamping and folding steps may be carried out according to any appropriate techniques well known in the art.

Preferably, the metal spacer 703 has a determined width W^(iv) and length L^(iv). The length L^(iv) corresponds to the standard distances between adjacent joists or posts of a frame structure, and the width W^(iv) corresponds to the width of said joists or posts (i.e. corresponding to the thickness of the frame structure (not considering the thickness of any covering materials fixed thereto). Example of the width W^(iv) and length L^(iv) may vary from 10.5 inches to 22.5 inches. Example of the height H^(iv) may vary from 0.1 to few inches, preferably from 1 to 2 inches, more preferably about 2 inches.

When necessary, any one of the removable elements 735 a, 735 b and 735 c can be removed to give access to the openings 733 a, 733 b and 733 c. To do so, as mentioned above, any one of the removable elements 735 a, 735 b and 735 c can be removed by breaking the weakening lines 736 a, 736 b and 736 c.This operation can be made using a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, etc.

Optionally, as mentioned above, plastic fittings may be positioned within the corresponding openings 733 a, 733 b and 733 c by any appropriate means, preferably manually.

Method and Use of the Metal Spacer 703 for Interconnecting Adjacent Elongated Members 701, 701′ of a Frame Structure

With reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 , there is represented a metal spacer 703 as illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 23 , positioned between posts 701 and 701′. The metal spacer 703 is fastened to the posts 701, 701′ by driving the sharpened end of the second section 714 b, 716 b through the openings 713, 715 and the posts 701, 701′. To do so, the shoulder 714 b, 716 b are struck by the head of a hammer of a carpenter.

A metal piping 821 may be passed through the opening 733 b, and electric wires 831 a and 831 c are passed through the fittings 741 a and 741 c. Also, optionally, as preferably illustrated, a fitting 741 b may be positioned in the opening 733 b to prevent contact of the metal piping with the main portion 705, and also to minimize and more preferably prevent air of flowing via the opening 733 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 28 , the metal spacer 703 minimize the possibility of having air flowing between said metal spacer 703, posts 701 and 701′ and covering materials 851 and 851′ (e.g. gypsum plates). Also, in the frame structure, posts 701 and 701′ may be secured to other metal spacers 703′ and 703″. Preferably, there is no openings between the spacer 703 and the posts 701, 701′ and the covering materials 851, 851′.

Metal Spacer 1003 According to a Fifth Preferred Aspect of the Invention

As mentioned above, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26, 29 and 30 of the drawings, the metal spacer 1003 is intended for interconnecting adjacent elongated members 1001, 1001′ of a frame structure. Examples of the adjacent elongated members 1001, 1001′ may consist of posts of a frame structure (e.g. wooden posts, metal posts, wooden joists, metal joists, etc.). The frame structure is generally further covered with covering material (e.g. panels of wood, sheetrock, etc.) to form a wall, a floor, a ceiling, a roof, etc.

The metal spacer 1003 comprises: a main member 1005, reinforcing members 1007 a and 1007 b, a first attachment plate 1009, and a second attachment plate 1011. The main member 1005 has a length L″ and a width W″, the length L″ corresponding to a distance separating the elongated members 1001, 1001′, and the width W′ being close to the width of the elongated members 1001, 1001′. The length L″ may be of any appropriate length, preferably about 14.5 inches, and the width W′ may be of any appropriate width, preferably about 3.5 inches.

The reinforcing member 1007 a is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 1005 along the junction 1008 a. The reinforcing member 1007 b is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 1005 at the junction 1008 b. More preferably, reinforcing members 1007 a and 1007 b substantially extend along the whole length L″ of the main member 1005, and they may have a height H″ that will contribute to strengthen the main member 1005, preferably a height varying from 0.1 inch to few inches, much more preferably from 0.1 inch to 2 inches, and even more preferably about 0.71 inch.

The first attachment 1009 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 1005 along the junction 1010, and the second attachment plate 1011 is connected to (preferably makes an integral part of) the main member 1005 along the junction 1012.

The first attachment plate 1009 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members 1001. Preferably at least one opening, preferably five openings 1013, are provided in the first attachment plate 1009. These openings 1013 are adapted to be engaged by fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) further engaging elongated member 1001. Said openings 1013 may be of any appropriate size. As an example, the openings 1013 may have a diameter of 13/64 inch.

The second attachment plate 1011 is adapted to cooperate with at least one fastener for fastening the same to the elongated members 1001′. Preferably at least one opening, preferably five openings 1015, are provided in the second attachment plate 1011. These openings 1015 are adapted to be engaged by fastener (e.g. a screw, a nail, etc.) further engaging the elongated member 1001′. Said openings 1015 may be of any appropriate size. As an example, the openings 1015 may have a diameter of 13/64 inch.

Preferably, all constitutive parts of the metal spacer 1003 are made from a single sheet of metal, more particularly a single sheet of steel, and much more preferably a single sheet of galvanized steel. The sheet of metal may be of any appropriate gauge, preferably from 18 to 25, more preferably 18 or 20, more preferably 20.

The main member 1005 is illustrated with opening not covered or closed by a corresponding removable element fastened to the main member 1005 by at least one breakable member or weakening line. Of course, main member 1005 may be further provided with such removable elements similar to those illustrated in any one of FIGS. 1 to 7 and 10 to 15 .

Optionally, any one of the openings 1033 a, 1033 b and 1033 c may be further provided conventional fitting 1041 a, 1041 b and 1041 c which are similar to those described in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6 and 9 , in order to allowing passing therethrough electric wires and/or other pipings.

Manufacture of the Metal Spacer 1003

The metal spacer 1003 is manufactured in a way similar to the manufacture of the metal spacer 3.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the metal spacer 1003 may be preferably obtained according to a process comprising the following steps:

Step 1: Cutting a sheet of metal, said the sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower face, and being provided with portions defining the main member 1005, the reinforcing members 1007 a and 1007 b, the first attachment plate 1009 and the second attachment plate 1011.

The cutting of the sheet of metal can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working. Preferably, the sheet of metal may be steel sheet having a gauge varying from 18 to 25, preferably a gauge of about 18 or 20, more preferably 20. More preferably, the sheet of metal is a sheet of steel, more preferably a sheet of galvanized steel having a gauge of about 20.

Step 2: Stamping the main member 1005 to define portions comprising openings 1033 a, 1033 b and 1033 c eventually covered or closed by removable elements fastened to the main member 1005 by weakening lines.

Step 3, the openings 1013 and 1015 are made by stamping portions of the sheet of metal corresponding to the first attachment plate 1009 and the second attachment plate 1011. More preferably, this stamping can be made by any appropriate means, before or after step 2, or more preferably simultaneously with step 2.

Step 4: Folding the reinforcing members 1007 a along the junction line 1008 a, and folding the reinforcing member 1007 b along the junction line 1008 b, to form a «U» channel with the upper face of the main member 1005. The folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Step 5: Folding the first attachment 1009 along the junction line 1010, and the second attachment plate 1011 along the junction line 1012. Again, the folding can be made with any appropriate tools well known to persons skilled in the art of sheet metal working.

Optionally, steps 1 to 5 can be made in any order. Also, two or several of said steps can be made simultaneously. Also, two or more of said steps 1 to 5 may be carried out simultaneously. Also, stamping and folding steps may be carried out according to any appropriate techniques well known in the art.

The metal spacer 1003 has a determined width W^(v) and length L^(v). The length L″ corresponds to the standard distances between adjacent joists or posts of a frame structure, and the width W′ corresponds to the width of said joists or posts (i.e. corresponding to the thickness of the frame structure (not considering the thickness of any covering materials fixed thereto). Example of the width W′ and length L″ may vary from 10.5 inches to 22.5 inches. Example of the height H″ may vary from 0.1 to few inches, preferably from 1 to 2 inches, more preferably about 2 inches.

In a way similar to the embodiment of spacer 303 of FIGS. 10 to 15 , the spacer 1003 is provided with removable elements 1035 a, 1035 b and 1035 c which are similar to removable elements 35 a, 35 b and 35 c. Said removable elements 1035 a, 1035 b and 1035 c are fastened to a corresponding portion of the openings 1033 a, 1033 b and 1033 c with breakable members similar to breakable members 337 a to 337 c, or preferably weakening lines 1036 a, 1036 b and 1036 c which are similar to weakening lines 336 a, 336 b and 336 c. When necessary, any one of the eventual removable elements 1035 a, 1035 b and 1035 c can be removed to give access to the openings 1033 a, 1033 b and 1033 c. To do so, as mentioned above, any one of the removable elements can be removed by breaking the corresponding weakening lines. This operation can be made in a way similar to what is defined in previous embodiments of the invention, preferably using a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, etc..

Optionally, as mentioned above, the fittings 1041 a, 1041 b and 1041 c are conventional plastic fittings. They are positioned within the corresponding openings 1033 a, 1033 b and 1033 c by any appropriate means, preferably manually.

Method and Use of the Metal Spacer 1003 for Interconnecting Adjacent Elongated Members of a Frame Structure

With reference to FIGS. 29 and 30 , there is represented a metal spacer 1003 as illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 26 , positioned between posts 1001 and 1001′. The metal spacer 1003 is fastened to the posts 1001, 1001′ with screws 1003 engaging the first attachment plate 1009 and the post 1001, and screws or nails, preferably 1003′, engaging the second attachment plate 1011 and the post 1001′.

A metal piping 1121 may be passed through the opening 1033 b, and electric wires 1131 a and 1131 c are passed through the fittings 1041 a and 1041 c. Also, optionally, as preferably illustrated, a fitting 1041 b may be positioned in the opening 1033 b to prevent contact of the metal piping with the main portion 1005, and also to minimize and more preferably prevent air of flowing via the opening 1033 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 30 , the metal spacer 1003 minimize the possibility of having air flowing between said metal spacer 1003, posts 1001 and 1001′ and covering materials 1151 and 1151′ (e.g. gypsum plates). Also, in the frame structure, posts 1001 and 1001′ may be secured to other metal spacers 1003′ and 1003″. Preferably, there is no openings between the spacer 1003 and the posts 1001, 1001′ and the covering materials 1151, 1151′.

The above description of the embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A spacer for interconnecting in a frame structure, adjacent elongated members having a determined width and maintaining a determined distance between said adjacent elongated members, wherein said spacer comprises: a main member having opposite ends, at least one first attachment member and at least one second attachment member, wherein the at least one first attachment member is secured to one of the opposite ends of the main member, and the at least one second attachment member is secured to the other of the opposite ends, wherein the at least one first attachment member is adapted to cooperate with at least one first fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the at least one second attachment member is adapted to cooperate with at least one second fastener for fastening the same to the other of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the main member has a length corresponding to the determined distance between the adjacent elongated members, and a width which is close to the width of the adjacent elongated members, and wherein the main member is further provided with at least one removable knock-out portion substantially covering or closing at least one corresponding opening provided in the main member.
 2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first attachment member forms a first attachment plate, and the at least one second attachment member forms a second attachment plate.
 3. The spacer according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first attachment plate is further provided with at least one fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one first fastener, and wherein the at least one second attachment plate is further provided with at least one second fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one second fastener.
 4. The spacer according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first fastener makes an integral part of the at least one first attachment plate, and wherein the at least one second fastener makes an integral part of the second attachment plate.
 5. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the at least one removable knock-out portion and a portion of the main member corresponding to the corresponding opening are joined together by at least one breakable member or by at least one weakened line.
 6. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the main member, the at least one first attachment member and the at least one second attachment member are made of a material selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, fiberglass materials, plastic materials, and composite materials.
 7. The spacer according to claim 6, wherein the main member, the at least one first attachment member and the at least one second attachment member are made of a sheet of metal.
 8. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the main member, the at least one first attachment member, and the at least one second attachment member are further provided with reinforcing portions and/or reinforcing members.
 9. The spacer according to claim 7, wherein the main member further comprises at least one reinforcing portion and/or at least one reinforcing member; wherein the at least one first attachment member is at least one first attachment plate, wherein the at least one second attachment member is at least one second attachment plate, wherein the main member, the reinforcing members, the at least one first attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate are obtained by cutting and folding corresponding portions of a single sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower face; and wherein the single sheet of metal is a sheet of steel, said sheet of steel having a gauge varying from 18 to
 25. 10. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first fastener makes an integral part of the at least one first attachment plate, wherein the at least one second fastener makes an integral part of the at least one first attachment plate.
 11. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first attachment plate is further provided with at least one first fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one first fastener, wherein the at least one second attachment plate is further provided with at least one second fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one second fastener, wherein the at least one first fastener is part of at least one first fastening system comprising a L-shaped elongated element provided with a first portion having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a second portion having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the first portion being connected to the at least one first attachment plate, the first portion defining a connector between the at least one first attachment plate and the second portion, the second end of the first portion and the first end of the second portion being connected to form a shoulder at the L-shaped elongated element, the second end of the second portion being sharpened, and the second portion defining the at least one first fastener, the L-shaped elongated element being movable from a raised position where the second end of the second portion is positioned above the at least one first fastening opening, to a lowered position where the at least one first fastener is adapted to engage via the at least one first fastening opening a corresponding adjacent elongated member of the frame structure; and wherein the at least one second fastener is part of at least one second fastening system comprising a L-shaped elongated element provided with a first portion having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a second portion having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the first portion being connected to the at least one second attachment plate, the first portion defining a connector between the at least one second attachment plate and the second portion, the second end of the first portion and the first end of the second portion being connected to form a shoulder at the L-shaped elongated element, the second end of the second portion being sharpened, and the second portion defining the at least one second fastener, the L-shaped elongated element being movable from a raised position where the second end of the second portion is positioned above the at least one second fastening opening, to a lowered position where the at least one second fastener is adapted to engage via the at least one second fastening opening a corresponding adjacent elongated member of the frame structure.
 12. The spacer according to 11, wherein the L-shaped elongated element of the at least one first fastening system is obtained by punching out a portion of the at least one first attachment plate, and wherein the L-shaped elongated element of the at least one second fastening system is obtained by punching out a portion of the at least one second attachment plate.
 13. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first attachment plate is further provided with at least one first fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one first fastener, and wherein the at least one second attachment plate is further provided with at least one second fastening opening adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one fastener.
 14. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the at least one removable knock-out portion and the corresponding opening are joined together by at least one breakable member or at least one weakening line.
 15. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the main member, the at least one first attachment plate, and the at least one second attachment plate are further provided with the at least one reinforcing portion.
 16. The metal spacer according to claim 9, wherein the at least one removable knock-out portion has a determined size and shape to allow receiving or passing therethrough an element or an article having a cross section of similar size and shape.
 17. A method for the manufacturing of the spacer defined in claim 1, wherein said method at least comprises a step of forming the main member, the at least one first attachment member, the at least one second attachment member, and the at least one removable knock-out portion covering or closing the at least one corresponding opening provided in the main member.
 18. A method according to claim 17, wherein when the spacer is made of a sheet of metal, said method at least comprises the steps of: cutting the sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower face, to define the main member, the at least one first attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate; and stamping with a die at least one portion of the main member to define the at least one removable knock-out portion covering or closing the at least one corresponding opening provided in the main member.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said method further comprises a step of folding the sheet of metal to form the main member, the at least one first attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein said method further comprises a step of stamping at least one portion of the main member to define at least one reinforcing embossment defining the at least one reinforcing portion.
 21. A method for interconnecting adjacent elongated members, said method comprising a step of positioning the spacer defined in claim 1 between the adjacent elongated members, to have its reinforcement members substantially co-planar with each of corresponding edges of the adjacent, elongated members, and fastening the at least one first attachment member and the at least one second attachment member to corresponding adjacent elongated members.
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein when the spacer is metal spacer made of a sheet of metal and comprising a main member having opposite ends, at least one first attachment plate and at least one second attachment plate, wherein the at least one first attachment plate is secured to one of the opposite ends of the main member, wherein the at least one second attachment plate is secured to the other of the opposite ends, wherein the at least one first attachment plate is adapted to cooperate with at least one first fastener for fastening the same to one of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the at least one second attachment plate is adapted to cooperate with at least one second fastener for fastening the same to the other of the adjacent elongated members, wherein the main member has a length corresponding to the determined distance between the adjacent elongated members, and a width which is close to the width of the adjacent elongated members, and wherein the main member is further provided with at least one removable knock-out portion substantially covering or closing at least one corresponding opening provided in the main member, wherein the main member, the reinforcing members, the at least one first attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate are obtained by cutting and folding corresponding portions of a single sheet of metal having an upper face and a lower face; and wherein the single sheet of metal is a sheet of steel having a gauge varying from 18 to 25; said method comprising a step of positioning the metal spacer between the adjacent elongated members, to have its reinforcement members substantially co-planar with each of corresponding edges of the adjacent, elongated members, and fastening the at least one first attachment plate and the at least one second attachment plate to corresponding adjacent elongated members. 